Undergraduate Course 

BA (Hons)

Education Studies (Top-Up)

The course is designed for foundation students who wish to top-up to a full BA (Hons) degree on a full time or part time basis. Gain a broad understanding of education from early years to lifelong learning before pursuing a career in teaching or education more widely. You will benefit from a strong focus on social equality, international learning opportunities and the chance to take a specialist pathway.

Top15for EducationGuardian University Guide 2025
100%of students agreed that staff are good at explaining thingsBA (Hons) Education Studies - National Student Survey 2024
Sarah Chapman on BA (Hons) Education Studies with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities degree

The Education Studies degree opens doors to a wide range of careers, this course explores the role of education in society and examines how moral and social issues shape learning.

Develop in-depth knowledge

You will be provided with a solid understanding of education and educational equality, bringing together perspectives from history, psychology, sociology and philosophy.

You will attending an intellectually stimulating course that will make you an authority on current education policy and practice.

A vibrant community

You will be taught by influential researchers and published authors whose work is shaping the debate about the future of education. Their research in education includes topics such as inclusion, diversity, social equality, online learning and pastoral care in primary, secondary and higher education.

Guaranteed interviews for our PGCE Primary

If you complete this degree and meet the entry requirements for our  we will guarantee you an interview during your final year of undergraduate study (subject to places being available). 

Places on our PGCE are highly sought after, so we recommend you apply as early as possible once the Department for Education opens.

Terms and conditions:

  • There are a limited number of places on the PGCE Primary. Once the course is full, applications will close and no further interviews will be held
  • Interviews are guaranteed for students who meet the entry requirements for the PGCE Primary, including GCSE grades, degree classification, experience and successful completion of the Skills Tests
  • An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course

What you will study

The programme analyses various elements of the education world today and builds on the knowledge and skills the learners have already acquired from degree level study and any work experience.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

Children playing in a forest area

Outdoor Learning Space

Learn how to apply education in an outdoor setting, using nature to improve the personal, social and technical skills of children.

Explore our Outdoor Learning SpaceExplore our Outdoor Learning Space

Entry requirements

You will need to have a foundation degree passed with grades above 50% and 240 credits.

You need at least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.

Fees and funding

2025/26

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,535 per year

£1,190 per 20 credit module

International

£16,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

Once you have completed this course you will discover wide-ranging career opportunities in fields relating not only to education but also to social care, health care, careers and guidance, and the voluntary sector.

Our graduates are now enjoying success as higher level teaching assistants, welfare child protection officers, early years practitioners, care assistants, and community learning facilitators.

Throughout the course, we place great emphasis on improving your employability. Our end-of-year symposium Voices of the Near Future encourages students to showcase their future aspirations and explore the many career directions available.

Please note that this course does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status. However, if you’d like to train to be a teacher, you will be guaranteed an interview for our  if you meet the entry requirements.

You could also apply to study our  or enhance your career prospects further still by continuing to study with us at masters level.

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

Career Support Image

96%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

Top 5
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.